The only problem has been, that for the majority of anglers fishing, Lake Mulwala has proved to be a tough hunting ground. However, patient anglers who have put in a lot of work have been rewarded with some good fish.

Early May saw the running of the local angling club’s annual fishing competition. In total 352 competitors took part with around 60 legal cod caught over the weekend. The largest measured 72cm.

Along with the cod were some yellowbelly and redfin. There seems to have been more and more reports of lake redfin over the past couple of years. Whether or not you like catching them for sport, they certainly make for a fine feed on the table, and are an entertaining by-catch when the native fish are quiet.

Pro Fish Series

Mid May saw the running of the first leg of the Pro Fish Series at Lake Mulwala. Some 15 teams of serious cod anglers competed for the large pool of money and prizes on offer. Again, the cod chose to be very tight lipped and only 12 legal fish were measured for the weekend.

Chris Burbidge and Glen Stewart had a great competition landing 52, 69 and 91cm fish to take out the first prize of $2000 and a Lowrance sounder. All of their fish were caught casting lipless crankbaits. They worked them back slowly from the edges of the deeper water into the shallows. Second place was taken out by Ashley Barber and Dave Radman and third place went to Graeme Clark and Jim Taylor.

Cod Hunter News

The Lake Mulwala report wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the escapades of full time guide, Roger Miles of Cod Hunter Fishing Tours.

Roger seems to be able to turn fish up at will when others are doing it tough. This was highlighted over the Pro Fish weekend when his clients managed to boat 17 legal fish to 65cm over 4 days.

The lake’s level is about 50cm below its standard depth and very clear so Roger has been trolling metallic lures in the 25ft+ depth range for best results.

Another great fish, this time taken by Roger himself, measured in at the ‘Magical Mark’ of 1m. This was taken whilst he was doing a spot of filming with a TV crew and should make for some great footage when it comes out.

Over the past few weeks, with the perfect still nights we have been having, I have persisted with targeting cod on the surface. Strikes have become few and far between but there is still limited action for those who choose to have a go.

Below the Weir

Below the weir, the river has been very low making for some tricky navigation in parts. If you don’t know this section very well then be extra careful as a big river red gum snags can take a good bite out of your motor leg or propeller. Fishing has been patchy down below with only a few reports coming in.

Reads: 1099

Chris Burbidge with the biggest of the cod that he and Glen Stewart caught to win the Pro Fish Series event at Mulwala (image courtesy Chris Burbidge).